When you start your search for
perfect Direct Selling or Home Party Line business, here are some valuable questions to ask when comparing companies and opportunities: 1) Start up cost should be minimal.. Start up cost in direct selling and network marketing companies are usually modest and mainly to cover cost of sales kit. What is their start up cost? What comes in kit?
2) Some companies require a monthly purchase. Is there a monthly minimum purchase requirement and if so, how much is monthly investment?
3) Most companies submit local state sales tax, however, there are a few that do not. Will I be required to submit my own state sales tax?
4) Check with each company regarding their return policy. This will be vital to your business. Can I return unwanted or damaged products and if so, what is return policy?
5) Do you have a "buy-back" policy? Some companies offer to "buy-back" unsold marketable products purchased within 12 months prior, should you decide to quit business for 90% of price you originally paid. Do they offer a "buy-back" policy?
6) Some companies require Independent Representatives to pay for portions of Hostess gifts, etc. You should know up front whether part of your commission earned will go to cover these cost. This will reduce actual amount of commissions earned. Am I required to cover part of Hostess Gifts or pay admin fees, etc.?
7) It is always smart to compare catalog and supplies cost as they vary by company. What do your catalogs and paperwork cost?
8) Customer shipping charges are important to your business and can vary greatly from company to company. What are customer shipping charges?
9) It is customary for companies to have a monthly or quarterly sales requirement to stay active and/or receive overrides. What is monthly/quarterly requirements?
10) If you plan to participate in local fairs, festivals or events, you will want to know whether company allows you to sell "cash & carry." Many will not as they prefer Representatives to provide one on one customer support and book to increase sales. Do you allow Representatives to sell products at local fairs and events?
